Health professionals for Obsessive–compulsive disorder-OCD

Sartzetaki Rafaela is a Psychologist licensed to practice (License No. 270297/2021) and maintains a private practice in Chania. She graduated from the Department of Psychology at Panteion University of Social and Political Sciences and holds a Master's Degree from the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, specializing in Mental Health and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. She is trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) according to the standards of the European Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies (EABCT). She is trained in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Approaches (Trauma-Focused CBT) to address the consequences of traumatic experiences, such as domestic violence, significant losses, and abuse. She holds certification in the Principles of Medical Research Methodology from the Medical School of NKUA. She has clinical experience providing psychological support and psychotherapeutic intervention to children, adolescents, and adults through collaborations with private therapeutic settings, psychological centers, and public institutions. Additionally, she has completed internships at the Naval Hospital of Athens and the Child Psychiatry Clinic of the "Agia Sofia" Children's Hospital.

Sina Stella is a Psychologist practicing privately in Pallini. She graduated from the University of East London and completed her postgraduate studies there, earning a Master of Science in Clinical and Community Psychology. 

Her therapeutic approach is integrative, specializing in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Systemic - Family Therapy, aiming at holistic support of the individual within their social and family context. Additionally, she has specialized training in Diagnostic and Therapeutic Intervention for children and adolescents, with an emphasis on anger management through Play Therapy. 

In her professional career, she collaborates with a Senior Care Unit, where she is a member of the interdisciplinary team, providing psychological support, conducting psychometric assessments, and managing dementia cases. Furthermore, she has significant experience in analyzing social phenomena and providing parental counseling, having served as a scientific collaborator for the program "Light in the Tunnel". 

She has worked in Venice, Italy, supporting psychosocially vulnerable elderly populations, and has experience in intercultural counseling and crisis management. Finally, with a commitment to delivering high-quality services, she continuously updates her knowledge on all scientific developments in the field of Mental Health by actively participating in specialized seminars and conferences.

Maria Mpotsari is a Psychologist specializing in school psychology and cognitive behavioral therapy for adults, children, and adolescents, and maintains a private practice in Alimos. She has completed undergraduate studies in Psychology at the Université de Strasbourg and is continuing her studies in School Psychology at the University of Patras. Concurrently, she has trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Adults at the Center for Applied Psychotherapy & Counseling, and has attended numerous specialized seminars and training programs (WISC-V, Play Therapy, Parent Counseling, Child and Adolescent Clinical Psychology, etc.). She has experience in psychological assessment (including administration of the WISC-V), psychotherapeutic support for children, adolescents, and adults, as well as parent counseling. She has worked in clinical and educational settings, such as the Support and Family Center, the "Together for the Child" program, and the Center for Applied Psychotherapy & Counseling. Her focus is on a holistic approach to mental health, utilizing modern therapeutic methods and creative tools such as psychoeducation through play and the development of personalized materials (e.g., emotion cards, worksheets). She is particularly sensitive to issues related to neurodevelopmental disorders, ADHD, autism spectrum, and school difficulties.

Petrou Vilma MSc is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist and conducts online sessions. She graduated from the Department of Psychology at Panteion University of Athens with honors. She has held a professional practice license since 2021 and has specialized in stress management and anxiety disorders through the postgraduate program "Science of Stress and Health Promotion" at the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. Her psychotherapeutic approach is based on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), in which she was trained through the four-year training program of the Institute for Research and Behavioral Therapy (IEΘS). Simultaneously, through her participation in a holistic stress management and lifestyle change program for heroin-dependent users at the OKANA Unit of Sismanogleio Hospital, she gained valuable experience in the management of addictions, providing both individual and group sessions. In recent years, she has worked with children, adolescents, and adults, offering psychotherapy and counseling on issues such as anxiety disorders, depression, emotional difficulties, and interpersonal relationship challenges. Her experience includes individual adult sessions (both in-person and online), as well as sessions with children and adolescents through her collaboration with Special Therapy Centers. Her goal is to tailor the techniques she applies to the individualized needs of each client, aiming to improve their mental health and quality of life.

Η Παλπάνου Σοφία είναι Στρατιωτικός Ψυχολόγος-Ψυχοθεραπεύτρια-Κλινικός Νευροψυχολόγος και διατηρεί ιδιωτικό γραφείο στην Πλατεία Μαβίλη, όπου πραγματοποιεί ατομικές συνεδρίες ψυχοθεραπείας CBT, πλήρεις νευροψυχολογικούς ελέγχους, αξιολογήσεις Νοημοσύνης (WAIS–IV),  καθώς και αξιολογήσεις ΔΕΠΥ σε ενήλικες.

Είναι αριστούχος απόφοιτος του Τμήματος Ψυχολογίας του Παντείου Πανεπιστημίου και κάτοχος Μεταπτυχιακού Διπλώματος Ειδίκευσης στην Κλινική Νευροψυχολογία και τις Νοητικές Νευροεπιστήμες από την Ιατρική Σχολή του ΕΚΠΑ σε συνεργασία με το Montreal Neurological Institute του Πανεπιστημίου McGill του Καναδά με βαθμό «Άριστα». Διαθέτει τετραετή εκπαίδευση στη Γνωσιακή – Συμπεριφοριστική Ψυχοθεραπεία στην Εταιρεία Γνωσιακών και Συμπεριφοριστικών Σπουδών και συνεχίζει να επιμορφώνετα με σεμινάρια εξειδίκευσης στις θεραπείες τρίτης γενιάς της ΓΣΘ, όπως η Θεραπεία Αποδοχής και Δέσμευσης (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy – ACT).

Από το 2019 εργάζεται στην Ψυχιατρική Κλινική του 414 Στρατιωτικού Νοσοκομείου Ειδικών Νοσημάτων, όπου διενεργεί νευροψυχολογικές αξιολογήσεις ψυχιατρικών και νευρολογικών ασθενών με στόχο την τεκμηρίωση της φύσης και της σοβαρότητας των νοητικών ελλειμμάτων. Βασικός σκοπός είναι η εκτίμηση της λειτουργικότητας (επαγγελματική καταλληλότητα, λήψη αποφάσεων, αυτοφροντίδα, αυτονομία, δικαιοπρακτική ικανότητα, αξιολογήσεις ΚΕΠΑ), καθώς και η επιλογή εξατομικευμένου θεραπευτικού πλάνου. Παράλληλα, πραγματοποιεί αξιολογήσεις για τη διερεύνηση νευροαναπτυξιακών διαταραχών με εξειδίκευση στη ΔΕΠΥ ενηλίκων, ενώ χορηγεί πληθώρα ψυχομετρικών κλιμάκων και ημιδομημένων συνεντεύξεων, όπως το Ανιχνευτικό Ερωτηματολόγιο Προσωπικότητας SCID-5-PD και το Πολυφασικό Ερωτηματολόγιο Προσωπικότητας της Μινεσότα®-2. Επιπλέον, παρέχει ψυχοθεραπευτική και συμβουλευτική υποστήριξη σε νοσηλευόμενους ασθενείς και στις οικογένειές τους, ενώ αναλαμβάνει την εποπτεία Ομάδων Ψυχοκοινωνικής Μέριμνας στην Αττική και την Πελοπόννησο. Στο παρελθόν υπήρξε μέλος της Διασυνδετικής Ψυχιατρικής στο 401 Γενικό Στρατιωτικό Νοσοκομείο, όπου παρείχε υποστήριξη σε ασθενείς με χρόνιες παθήσεις, στη διαχείριση οξέων διαγνώσεων, καθώς και σε συγγενείς στη διαχείριση του πένθους.

Nikolaos Sxoretsanitis is a Clinical Psychologist - Psychoanalyst, graduate of the Department of Psychology and the Master's program in Clinical Psychology at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA), and is also a PhD candidate at the same University. Since 2011, he has worked in community mental health services. For the past 10 years, he has been a psychologist at the Babel Day Center. He has been an active member of the Freud Lacan Psychoanalytic Society in Athens from 2010 to the present. He is also a collaborator of Le Pari de Lacan in France and the Irish School of Lacanian Psychoanalysis in Ireland.

Kaffetzakis Emmanouil is a Psychologist – Psychotherapist with a Psychoanalytic orientation and maintains a private practice in the center of Heraklion, Crete, where he conducts sessions for adults and adolescents. He is a member of the Borromean Knot Society of the New Lacanian School of Psychoanalysis in Greece and actively participates in its activities.

Psychoanalysis is an invitation to speak. Over time, each person's speech organizes around what is difficult or impossible for them to bear. They speak about their symptom. Lacanian psychoanalysis offers the possibility of inventing a new way to cope with their symptom, with the specific way they suffer. Through the discourse that the analysand addresses to the analyst, they can begin to find personalized and satisfactory solutions to old and repetitive modes of existence and reactions.

Xondrogianni Nantia is a Clinical Psychologist licensed to practice, with a psychoanalytic orientation. She studied at the Department of Psychology of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and subsequently completed the three-year Postgraduate Program in Clinical Psychology at the same University.

She has worked in clinical and community settings for adults and adolescents, specifically at the Day Center for Women's Mental Health Care of the Non-Profit Organization Fainareti, the Youth and Adolescent Psychiatric Department of the General Hospital of Athens "G. Gennimatas," the Psychiatric Department of the Specialized Anticancer Hospital of Piraeus "Metaxa," and at Special Therapy Centers. Additionally, she has participated as a researcher in programs at the University of Athens, the University of Strasbourg, the National Centre for Social Research, and the National Museum of Contemporary Art. Her work has been published in scientific conferences and journals.

In her private practice located in Kypseli, she welcomes adults, adolescents, and children. She is undergoing long-term clinical psychoanalytic training at the Forum of Psychoanalysis of the Lacanian Field of Athens, actively participating in the school's activities.

Paraskeuopoulou Stratigoula is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist with a private practice in Kifisia. She completed her studies in Psychology at the University of Derby, holding a professional license with protocol number 459215. Subsequently, she expanded her training in the field of psychotherapy by studying at the Hellenic Organization of Psychotherapy and Education, specializing in Group Analysis, which is recognized by the European Group Analytic Training Institution Network (EGATIN).

Her training includes both individual and group psychotherapy for adults, through a personal therapeutic process and supervision in group analytic orientation. Additionally, she completed her practical training at the Department of Public and Community Health, in the Hygiene and Epidemiology Laboratory of the School of Public Health at the University of West Attica.

Ms. Paraskeuopoulou has also collaborated with the Hellenic Society for the Rheumatic Diseases (EL.E.A.N.A.), where she was responsible for coordinating adult groups and implementing experiential programs within these groups, demonstrating her commitment to improving the quality of life of the participants.

Eleni Fyta is a psychologist based in Athens, maintaining a private practice and collaborating with therapy centers that support children, adolescents, and adults. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, as well as a Bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy from the University of Patras, combining scientific expertise with a deeply human-centered therapeutic approach.She has completed training in Group Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy through the Hellenic Society of Group Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy (E.E.Ps.Ps.O.) and is currently participating in postgraduate programs in Clinical Psychopathology and Psychoanalysis.Her professional experience includes positions at therapy centers such as Mind Set Go! and To Spiti, as well as collaboration with the European Network of Women of Greece, where she provided psychological support to victims of domestic violence.Eleni has also been actively involved in volunteer work with the Hellenic Red Cross and various community programs offering educational and psychological support to refugees and migrants. She regularly attends psychoanalytic and psychological research conferences, reflecting her continuous professional development.Her therapeutic approach focuses on building a relationship of trust and authentic communication, helping individuals explore their inner conflicts and foster personal growth.

Chrysa Nikoli holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and is a graduate of the Hellenic Military Academy of Corps Officers (SSAS). She holds a Master’s degree in Child and Adolescent Mental Health from the European University of Cyprus (EUC). In addition, she has specialized in Cognitive Analytic Psychotherapy at the Psychiatric Clinic of the 424 General Military Hospital and at the Medical Psychotherapeutic Centre in Thessaloniki, while she is currently undergoing training in Systemic Therapy and Counselling at the Centre for Systemic Study and Therapy of Thessaloniki (KESMETH).Since 2011, she has served in primary and secondary mental health care units within the Hellenic Armed Forces, working at the Psychiatric Clinic of the 251 General Air Force Hospital, the Aeromedical Centre, the SSAS, as well as in various units of the Hellenic Air Force. She also participates in the administration and evaluation of psychometric tests as part of the preliminary examinations for the selection of candidates to military academies (ASEI, ASSY). She currently serves as Head of the Psychosocial Welfare Office at the 350 Guided Missile Wing in Thermi.In her private practice, Chrysa Nikoli provides individual psychotherapy sessions for adults and adolescents, either in person or online. Her therapeutic approach is grounded in the principles of Cognitive Analytic Therapy and Systemic Therapy: the former focuses on identifying and changing patterns of thought, emotion, and behaviour, while the latter views the individual within the context of their relationships and social environment. Through a collaborative therapist–client relationship, the aim is to identify and modify dysfunctional patterns so that the individual can develop healthier ways of relating to themselves and others.Her goal is to create a safe, supportive, and strictly confidential environment where each person can freely express their thoughts and emotions. With respect for the personality and needs of each client, she supports individuals facing anxiety, panic attacks, mood disorders, psychotic symptoms, or post-traumatic stress, helping them find balance and stability through tailored therapeutic methods.As part of her ongoing professional development and commitment to staying informed about the latest advancements in her field, she regularly participates in scientific conferences and training seminars, ensuring she provides modern, reliable, and high-quality psychotherapeutic support to her clients.

Roxani - Maria Vakalou is a Psychologist, graduate of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, specializing in Clinical Psychology. She is a certified Cognitive-Behavioral Therapist and is training in Bioenergetic Clinical Hypnosis.

Her choice of specializations is based on the integration of two critical pillars: focusing on the "here and now," addressing dysfunctional patterns of thinking and behavior, and processing emotional traumas formed during early developmental stages before the development of logical thinking.

Her career in the Mental Health field includes voluntary service at S.O.F.PSY. Serres, coordinating therapeutic groups and cognitive-behavioral interventions; collaboration with the Hellenic Alzheimer’s Disease Association; specialization in "Dance Theatre"; and mental health counseling in a multinational environment through conducting psychoeducational groups and individual sessions (since 2024).

She firmly believes that Psychotherapy is the most valuable investment in oneself and the cornerstone of self-awareness and mental well-being. Her goal is, within an environment of trust, understanding, and acceptance, to help individuals genuinely "embrace" themselves.

Dr. Plytas Nikolaos is a Psychiatrist and Psychotherapist maintaining a private practice in Neo Irakleio. He graduated in Medicine from the Medical School in Rome, Italy, and has received training in Systemic (family) Therapy at the Family Therapy Department of the Psychiatric Hospital of Attica. Through his extensive experience, Dr. Plytas effectively diagnoses and treats psychoses, bipolar mood disorders, and manic depression. Furthermore, in his private practice, he currently manages depression, anxiety, dementia, panic disorder, and various addictions using scientific and medical methods. In addition to the above, Dr. Plytas does not only handle individual cases; with his knowledge and experience in the field of Psychiatry, he is also capable of providing services such as couple therapy, assisting partners in addressing the various challenges they face.

Ο Χώρος Ψυχικής Υγείας MindΒloom γεννήθηκε από το όραμα της κλινικής ψυχολόγου και ψυχοθεραπεύτριας Φωτεινής Καναλουπίτη για την δημιουργία ενός ασφαλούς χώρου, ο οποίος να διακρίνεται από τις αξίες της συμπεριληπτικότητας, της συνεργατικότητας, της απο-παθολογικοποίησης, της άνευ όρων αποδοχής, της ειλικρινούς ενσυναίσθησης και του σεβασμού στη διαφορετικότητα. Σήμερα η ομάδα του χώρου MindBloom απαρτίζεται από τέσσερις επαγγελματίες ψυχικής υγείας, τη Φωτεινή Καναλουπίτη, τη Δανάη Γιαννακοπούλου, τη Δήμητρα Ζαφειροπούλου και τη Μαρίνα Μιχαλάτου, που τις ενώνει η κοινή αξία για την παροχή εξειδικευμένων επιστημονικών υπηρεσιών χωρίς διακρίσεις, σε ένα πλαίσιο που η θεραπεία και η κοινωνική δικαιοσύνη είναι αλληλένδετες. Τα μέλη της ομάδας του Mindbloom είναι ξεχωριστά διαπιστευμένες σε τέσσερις διαφορετικές ψυχοθεραπευτικές προσεγγίσεις: Θεραπεία Σχημάτων, Προσωποκεντρική προσέγγιση, Γνωσιακή-Συμπεριφοριστική Θεραπεία και Αφηγηματική Θεραπεία. Αυτό, σε συνδυασμό με την ποικιλία στην εκπαιδευτική εξειδίκευση και την εργασιακή εμπειρία του κάθε μέλους της ομάδας, επιτρέπει την κάλυψη εύρους θεραπευτικών αιτημάτων (δυσκολίες στις διαπροσωπικές σχέσεις, διαχείριση ψυχιατρικών διαγνώσεων και συμπτωμάτων, παροχή υποστήριξης στην εξάρτηση και διασύνδεση με σχετικούς φορείς, υποστήριξη στην εξερεύνηση της ταυτότητας φύλου και της σεξουαλικότητας, υποστήριξη γονεϊκού ρόλου, κ.α.). Η διαδικασία για την έναρξη συνεδριών στον χώρο MindBloom βασίζεται στην λήψη βασικών πληροφοριών για το ενδιαφερόμενο άτομο και το θεραπευτικό του αίτημα ώστε να του προταθεί η επαγγελματίας που κρίνεται πιο κατάλληλη και έμπειρη για την υποστήριξή του με βάση τις εξατομικευμένες ανάγκες του.

Λίγα λόγια για τη συντονίστρια της ομάδας του MindBloom:

Η Φωτεινή Καναλουπίτη είναι Kλινική Ψυχολόγος - Ψυχοθεραπεύτρια MSC. Σπούδασε και εργάστηκε στην Ολλανδία (BA,University of Groningen- MSC Clinical Psychology, University of Leiden) ενώ εκπαιδεύτηκε στην Θεραπεία Σχημάτων (Λονδίνο, British Psychological Society,Part 1) και στις Διατροφικές Διαταραχές (Αθήνα, Κέντρο Εκπαίδευσης Διατροφικών Διαταραχών και British Psychological Society). Η πρώτη της εμπειρία σαν θεραπεύτρια έλαβε χώρα στην εταιρία Antiloneliness (Χάγη και Λάιντεν, 2018) όπου εργάστηκε υποστηρίζοντας άτομα από όλο τον κόσμο τα οποία αντιμετώπιζαν δυσκολίες προσαρμογής, σχέσεων, ψυχιατρικές διαταραχές κ.α. ενώ παράλληλα έλαβε και την πρώτη της εκπαίδευση ως Ψυχοθεραπέυτρια. Η κλινική της εκπαίδευση συνεχίστηκε στον φορέα ΚΛΙΜΑΚΑ (Αθήνα, 2020), όπου εργάστηκε για περίπου δύο χρόνια αποκτώντας εμπειρία στην ψυχοπαθολογία και κυρίως στον αυτοκτονικό ιδεασμό, στηρίζοντας άτομα με ψυχιατρικές διαταραχές και τελώντας εικοσιτετράωρες εφημερίες στην Εθνική Γραμμή για την Πρόληψη της Αυτοκτονίας (1018). Οι σπουδές της αλλά και η εμπειρία της με ανθρώπους από όλο τον κόσμο, της έδωσαν την ευκαιρία να χρησιμοποιεί ένα ολιστικό μοντέλο θεραπείας τόσο διαφορετικό και δυναμικό, όσο και η ανθρώπινη φύση. Στο μοντέλο αυτό υπάρχουν στοιχεία από την Θεωρία Σχημάτων, η οποία έχει αποτελέσει την βασική της ψυχοθεραπευτική προσέγγιση, την Γνωσιακή Συμπεριφοριστική Θεραπεία, την Gestalt, και πολλά άλλα. Στόχος της, είναι η συνεχής ενημέρωση και γνώση νέων εργαλείων προσανατολισμένων στην ανακούφιση και υποστήριξη. Ο άνθρωπος είναι κατεξοχήν δυναμικό όν, αλλάζει, προσαρμόζεται και εξελίσσεται. Έτσι ακριβώς αντιλαμβάνεται το θεραπευτικό ταξίδι και αποτελεί έναν από τους σημαντικότερους λόγους που την γοήτευσε και συνεχίζει να την γοητεύει.

Parthenis Aleksandros is a Psychologist holding a Psychology degree from the University of East London. He has a master's degree with distinction in Clinical and Community Psychology from the University of East London. He has received further training in Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapy at the Center for Applied Psychotherapy and Counseling and has attended numerous seminars on Psychology and Mental Health. He completed his practical training at the Psychosocial Rehabilitation Residential Facility ANIMA and has provided voluntary psychotherapy sessions at the Psychogeriatric Society "Nestor." In his private practice, he manages a wide range of cases, conducting psychotherapy sessions based on the Cognitive-Behavioral approach, always focusing on the best possible service of the individualized needs of each patient.

Antonia Mpeka is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist and maintains a private practice in Galatsi. She holds a degree from the Department of Psychology at Panteion University of Social and Political Sciences and possesses a certified four-year specialization in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) from the Society of Cognitive Behavioral Studies. She has worked as a Psychologist at The Smile of the Child, supporting children and parents through counseling helplines. Additionally, she has conducted individual CBT Psychotherapy sessions. Within the framework of lifelong learning, she attends seminars in the field of mental health.

Tsoni Sevasti is a Psychologist (MSc) – Systemic Psychotherapist and maintains a private practice in the Gyzi area, where she provides psychotherapy sessions to children, adolescents, adults, and families. She graduated from the Department of Psychology at the University of Crete and holds a postgraduate degree (MSc) in Child and Adolescent Mental Health from the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. She is trained in Systemic Psychotherapy and has further specialized in the treatment of sexual disorders, having completed numerous continuing education programs. Her professional experience is extensive and includes work in various therapeutic and educational settings. She has offered individual and group psychotherapeutic support to populations with complex psychosocial needs, such as refugees, unaccompanied minors, and families in crisis, through humanitarian organizations such as PRAKSIS, MERIMNA, and the International Organization for Migration. Additionally, she has served as a school psychologist within initiatives of the Ministry of Education and has collaborated with Child and Adolescent Development Centers. She has presented scientific papers at national and international conferences and has delivered lectures and seminars in schools, teaching associations, and mental health facilities. Centered on scientific evidence, empathy, and respect for the uniqueness of each individual, she approaches therapeutic work through a holistic and experiential lens, enhancing the psychological resilience of her clients.